By AMBER HUNTER
Things are in full swing for American Fork’s annual Steel Days celebration. Community members began celebrating Tuesday evening at the Kickoff Ceremony.
Local heroes were honored for their contributions to the community during the ceremony. Eleven-year-old Alonso Rangel was recognized for his efforts to conduct a drive for earthquake victims in Honduras. The Youth Court and Youth Council were also honored for their community involvement.
“I thought the event was wonderful,” American Fork resident Wanda Peterson said. “It is always exciting to see local heroes honored before community members.”
The week-long celebration includes the City of Fun Carnival, Steel Days Art Show, Summerfest and Craft Boutique, a 5K Fun Run/Walk, Rotary Park Car Show and the Big Show Saturday evening.
More than 900 tickets have been sold to The Big Show on Saturday, which will feature performing artists Billy Dean and Thurl Bailey. The Big Show will be at the American Fork High School Stadium, and a fireworks display will go off after the show.
“Our goal was to make the city celebration a little bit bigger and a little bit better this year,” said Bonnie Mayo, Steel Days council member. “The show is family-oriented, and we hope the community will enjoy it.”
City recorder Richard Coburn said Steel Days was originally known as Poultry Days because many community members were poultry farmers. Poultry Days began in 1937 and the town began celebrating Steel Days during the 1950s because of the number of individuals employed at Geneva, Coburn said.
“I remember going to Poultry Days every year with my family,” said Ruth Parker, 76, of American Fork. “An American Fork family raised turkeys, and one year they constructed an entire float made out of turkey feathers. It was beautiful.”
American Fork residents enjoy the family ties associated with Steel Days.
“My children come back to American Fork each year to celebrate Steel Days. They have been going to Steel Days ever since they were little and now they bring their children,” said Gloria Parker of American Fork.
Tickets may be prepurchased for the Big Show on Saturday evening at Smith’s Food and Drug and American Fork City Hall for $8. Tickets will be sold for $10 at the gate.
